Can Dandelion Root (DRE) Fight Cancer?
Mon 11:13 pm +01:00, 30 Oct 2023
Dandelion root extract can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, restrict metastasis and cause cancer cell death; it also significantly boost the immune system, according to both in vitro and in vivo studies; DRE has very limited side-effects.
Dandelion leaves and Dandelion root are both important compounds in Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM). They are known to help in digestive problems, inflammation, liver function, and kidney disease. They have also used to regulate metabolism and purify the blood. Dandelion tea is an antidiuretic and can lower blood glucose levels. The root is known to contain high levels of polysaccharides which have strong effects against cancer. The plant itself contains high levels of carotenoids like beta-carotene, polyphenols like quercetin, and antioxidants and can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Research shows it can both prevent and treat colitis via the ingredient taraxasterol (7). It has also been shown to restrict fat levels in the body and help in weight management (8). There are over 55 studies on PubMed on the health benefits of this weed.
Can Dandelion Root Extract (DRE) fight cancer?
A growing number of research studies have shown that Dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum) has significant anticancer and immune properties.
Dandelion Root Extract (DRE) inhibits triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell proliferation by interfering with glycerophospholipids and unsaturated fatty acids metabolism, according to in vitro and in vivo research (6) published in in 2022. TNBC exhibits widely reprogrammed lipid metabolism and the researtchers studied whether DRE could use this. In the experiments the dandelion extract decreased CHKA expression, leading to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway and its downstream targets, SREBP and FADS2. In particular, picrasinoside F and luteolin in dandelion extract had the most highly binding inhibitory effects on CHKA and could regulate glycerophospholipids metabolisms in TNBC
Dandelion Root Extract induces apoptosis and autophagy in human pancreatic cancer cells with no significant effect on non-cancerous cells according to research(1) published in the scientific journal, Pancreas. The DRE killed the pancreatic cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. It also attacked the cancer cells mitochondrial membrane but had no effect on healthy cells, An aqueous solution of DRE killed both Bx-PC3 and PANC-1 cancer cell lines leaving healthy cells unharmed.
In 2016, a study both in vitro and in vivo using rats showed that oral administration of DRE retarded the growth of colorectal cancer by 90 percent (5).
In 2023, research (9) on breast cancer cells showed a combination of Dandelion extract and Retinoic Acid could significantly increase p53 expression and cause cytotoxicity (p53 is often deficient in cancer tumours).
Chris Woollams, former Oxford University Biochemist and a founder of CANCERactive added, “We have previously covered research from the same team showing that Dandelion Root Extract could kill certain leukemia cells (2). Both studies show Dandelion has the potential to treat cancers where chemotherapy is limited. At the University of Windsor, Canada, the team led by biochemist Dr. Siyaram Panday has completed a phase 1 clinical trial on Dandelion and cancer in conjunction with Dr. Arnason at the University of Ottawa. Their work (3), using a concentrated root extract, has shown promise with 20 different types of cancer, in each case selectively targeting the cancer cell mitochondria but not harming the mitochondria of healthy cells. 2011 research was on melanoma for example (4).
Go to: Dandelion Root Extract – the cancer killer?
It seems the potential is there; the main problem is the funding isn’t. At CANCERactive we have had several people use DRE with excellent effects against their leukemia. We also like to use it alongside the strongly researched Honokiol. These natural compounds seem to complement each other.
Dandelion Root Extract has strong anti-inflammatory powers and is used with arthritis; it is used as a laxative, fights gut problems and is a blood thinner. It can also be used to lower blood pressure.
People can collect the roots, dry them and then turn them to powder – it could be the cheapest cancer fighting compound yet!”
Go to: Overview on Pancreatic cancer – symptoms, causes and alternative treatments
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